Staff Reporter
DIMAPUR, AUG 18 (NPN): Nagaland Apex Handloom Handicraft & Textile Export Marketing Association (NAHHTEMA), in collaboration with District Administration, Dimapur Municipal Council and Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Dimapur, organised an awareness programme on HIV and AIDS and drug de addiction at Lion’s Club, Midland, Dimapur, on Tuesday.
The programme, titled “Support for Information, Education and Communication (IEC) Mainstreaming Campaign for HIV and AIDS and Drug De Addiction Awareness,” was sponsored by National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative. Speaking on behalf of NHIDCL, Manish Kumar, office in charge, DMU Dimapur, said the corporation, while primarily engaged in infrastructure development, recognised its responsibility towards communities beyond physical infrastructure. Addressing students, he stressed that they were not only the future but also an important part of society today, with their choices influencing families and communities.
He emphasised that HIV should not be treated with fear but with knowledge, and called for eliminating discrimination against people living with HIV. “With correct information, responsible behaviour, timely testing and timely treatment, HIV can be managed effectively,” he said, urging that misinformation must not translate into stigma. He added that those living with HIV need support, counselling, treatment and rehabilitation.
Kumar also highlighted the Government of India’s Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, which adopts a comprehensive approach towards awareness, prevention, treatment and rehabilitation. He encouraged students to seek information from qualified health professionals rather than relying on hearsay or social media. Addressing people living with HIV and those recovering from addiction, he said they should not be defined by illness or past, but by their dignity, aspirations and contributions to society.
Earlier, the programme was chaired by Sentilemla Lemtur and Ayula Longkumer, with invocation by Imtimenba Jamir, associate pastor, DABA. Technical sessions were delivered by Orenthung Ngullie, District Programme Officer, DISHA, District Hospital Dimapur, on HIV and AIDS awareness, and Dr. Tahito Vishepu, Medical Officer (OST), District Hospital Dimapur, on drug de addiction. The programme also featured testimonies from a person living with HIV and a recovered drug user.
As part of the outreach, HIV testing services were provided through MICTC, along with distribution of IEC materials.